CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 4:20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/4-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/02_Exo_04_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 4:20 - Moses Leaves for Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/4-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/4-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/4-19.htm" title="Exodus 4:19">◄</a> Exodus 4:20 <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm" title="Exodus 4:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/4.htm">New International Version</a> So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/nlt/exodus/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to the land of Egypt. In his hand he carried the staff of God. <a href="/esv/exodus/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> So Moses took his wife and his sons and had them ride on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/kjv/exodus/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Moses took his wife and his sons and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the rod of God in his hand. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/nasb/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/lsb/exodus/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/amp/exodus/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Moses took his wife [Zipporah] and his sons [Gershom and Eliezer] and seated them on donkeys, and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/csb/exodus/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took God’s staff in his hand. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took God&#8217s staff in his hand. <a href="/asv/exodus/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. <a href="/cev/exodus/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So Moses put his wife and sons on donkeys and headed for Egypt, holding the walking stick that had the power of God. <a href="/erv/exodus/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. <a href="/gwt/exodus/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and started out for Egypt. He also brought with him the staff God had told him to take. <a href="/gnt/exodus/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> So Moses took his wife and his sons, put them on a donkey, and set out with them for Egypt, carrying the walking stick that God had told him to take. <a href="/isv/exodus/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> So Moses took his wife and son, put them on donkeys, and headed back to the land of Egypt. Moses took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/msb/exodus/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/net/exodus/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Moses took his wife and sons and put them on a donkey and headed back to the land of Egypt, and Moses took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/nheb/exodus/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took God's rod in his hand. <a href="/wbt/exodus/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Moses took his wife, and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the rod of God in his hand. <a href="/web/exodus/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took God’s rod in his hand. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Moses takes his wife, and his sons, and causes them to ride on the donkey, and turns back to the land of Egypt, and Moses takes the rod of God in his hand. <a href="/ylt/exodus/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Moses taketh his wife, and his sons, and causeth them to ride on the ass, and turneth back to the land of Egypt, and Moses taketh the rod of God in his hand. <a href="/slt/exodus/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Moses will take his wife and his sons, and will cause them to ride upon an ass, and he will turn back to the land of Egypt And Moses will take the rod of God in his hand.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Moses therefore took his wife, and his sons, and set them upon an ass: and returned into Egypt, carrying the rod of God in his hand. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, Moses took his wife and his sons, and he placed them upon a donkey, and he returned into Egypt, carrying the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/nabre/exodus/4.htm">New American Bible</a> So Moses took his wife and his sons, mounted them on the donkey, and started back to the land of Egypt. Moses took the staff of God with him. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So Moses took his wife and his sons, put them on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt; and Moses carried the staff of God in his hand.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and started on his way back to Egypt; and he took the staff of God in his hand. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Moshe took his wife and his children and mounted them on donkeys, and returned to go to Egypt, and Moshe took the staff of God in his hand.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt; and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. <a href="/sep/exodus/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Moses took his wife and his children, and mounted them on the beasts, and returned to Egypt; and Moses took the rod which he had from God in his hand. <a href="/parallel/exodus/4-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=834" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Moses Leaves for Egypt</a> …19Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.” 20<a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">So Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">took</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">his wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and sons,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7392.htm" title="7392: way·yar·ki·ḇêm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To mount and ride, ride. A primitive root; to ride; causatively, to place upon, to despatch.">put them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: ha·ḥă·mōr (Art:: N-ms) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">a donkey,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šāḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">and headed back</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">to Egypt.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">And he</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">took</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: maṭ·ṭêh (N-msc) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">the staff</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">in his hand.</a> 21The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/7-29.htm">Acts 7:29-30</a> At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. / After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. <a href="/hebrews/11-24.htm">Hebrews 11:24-27</a> By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. / He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. / He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. ... <a href="/numbers/20-8.htm">Numbers 20:8-11</a> “Take the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.” / So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence, just as he had been commanded. / Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” ... <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-15</a> When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” <a href="/genesis/46-1.htm">Genesis 46:1-4</a> So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. / And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob. / “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. ... <a href="/acts/7-36.htm">Acts 7:36</a> He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-21.htm">Deuteronomy 6:21-23</a> then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. / Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. / But He brought us out from there to lead us in and give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers. <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19-21</a> So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. <a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Matthew 10:37-39</a> Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; / and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. / Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. <a href="/genesis/31-17.htm">Genesis 31:17-18</a> Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels, / and he drove all his livestock before him, along with all the possessions he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land in Canaan. <a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Acts 7:22</a> So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. <a href="/exodus/18-2.htm">Exodus 18:2-5</a> After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, / along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” / The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/12-6.htm">1 Samuel 12:6-8</a> Then Samuel said to the people, “The LORD is the One who appointed Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. / Now present yourselves, so that I may confront you before the LORD with all the righteous acts He has done for you and your fathers. / When Jacob went to Egypt, your fathers cried out to the LORD, and He sent them Moses and Aaron, who brought your fathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place. <a href="/luke/9-61.htm">Luke 9:61-62</a> Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.” / Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” <a href="/genesis/12-4.htm">Genesis 12:4-5</a> So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. / And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.the rod of God.<a href="/exodus/4-2.htm">Exodus 4:2,17</a> And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod… <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Exodus 17:9</a> And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.<a href="/numbers/20-8.htm">Numbers 20:8,9</a> Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/49-14.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/genesis/50-25.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/genesis/49-14.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/4-16.htm">God's</a> <a href="/exodus/4-17.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/genesis/24-61.htm">Mounted</a> <a href="/genesis/41-43.htm">Ride</a> <a href="/exodus/4-17.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/exodus/4-17.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/genesis/33-16.htm">Started</a> <a href="/exodus/2-12.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/exodus/2-1.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/13-13.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/exodus/4-25.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/exodus/13-13.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">God's</a> <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/25-7.htm">Mounted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-13.htm">Ride</a> <a href="/exodus/7-9.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/exodus/7-9.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/exodus/22-6.htm">Started</a> <a href="/exodus/5-22.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/exodus/6-20.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 4</div>1. <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Moses's rod is turned into a serpent.</a> 6. <a href="/exodus/4-6.htm">His hand is leprous.</a> 10. <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">He loathes his calling.</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Aaron is appointed to assist him.</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Moses departs from Jethro.</a> 21. <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">God's message to Pharaoh.</a> 24. <a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Zipporah circumcises her son.</a> 27. <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Aaron is sent to meet Moses.</a> 29. <a href="/exodus/4-29.htm">The people believe them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So Moses took his wife and sons Moses' family, including his wife Zipporah and their sons Gershom and Eliezer, accompany him on his journey back to Egypt. This reflects the importance of family unity and support in fulfilling God's calling. The inclusion of his family highlights the personal sacrifice and commitment involved in Moses' mission. It also underscores the significance of family in God's covenantal promises, as seen in the patriarchal narratives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.put them on a donkey The use of a donkey for travel indicates the modest means of Moses' family, contrasting with the wealth and power of Egypt. Donkeys were common beasts of burden in the ancient Near East, used for transporting people and goods. This detail connects to other biblical narratives where donkeys play a role, such as Balaam's donkey (Numbers 22) and Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (<a href="/matthew/21.htm">Matthew 21:1-11</a>), symbolizing humility and peace.and headed back to Egypt Moses' return to Egypt marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as he is about to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of bondage. This journey signifies obedience to God's command and the beginning of the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham regarding the deliverance of his descendants. Egypt, a place of both refuge and oppression for the Israelites, serves as a backdrop for God's redemptive power.And he took the staff of God in his hand The staff, once an ordinary shepherd's tool, becomes a symbol of divine authority and power. It is through this staff that God performs miraculous signs, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His ability to deliver His people. The staff foreshadows the cross of Christ, through which ultimate deliverance is achieved. The transformation of the staff into a tool of God's power parallels the transformation of Moses from a shepherd to a leader of God's people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The central figure in this passage, Moses is called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His journey back to Egypt marks the beginning of his mission. 2. <a href="/topical/m/moses'_wife_and_sons.htm">Moses' Wife and Sons</a> Moses' family accompanies him, highlighting the personal sacrifice and commitment involved in following God's call. 3. <a href="/topical/d/donkey.htm">Donkey</a> The mode of transportation for Moses' family, symbolizing humility and readiness for the journey. 4. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land Moses is returning to, where he will confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_staff_of_god.htm">The Staff of God</a> A symbol of divine authority and power, the staff represents God's presence and support for Moses' mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_call.htm">Obedience to God's Call</a> Moses' actions demonstrate obedience to God's command, even when it involves personal sacrifice. We are called to trust and obey God's direction in our lives. <a href="/topical/f/family_and_faith.htm">Family and Faith</a> Moses takes his family with him, showing the importance of involving our loved ones in our spiritual journey and mission. <a href="/topical/s/symbol_of_authority.htm">Symbol of Authority</a> The staff of God signifies divine authority. As believers, we carry the authority of Christ in our mission to share the Gospel. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_mission.htm">Preparation for Mission</a> Moses' journey back to Egypt is a preparation phase. We must be prepared spiritually and practically for the tasks God assigns us. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a> The journey to Egypt required trust in God's provision and protection. We are encouraged to rely on God's faithfulness in our own journeys.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 4</a> <a href="/q/how_are_moses_and_jesus_similar.htm">What similarities exist between Moses and Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_patmos_in_the_bible.htm">What occurred at Meribah in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_moses'_staff_become_a_snake.htm">(Exodus 4:2-5) How could Moses' staff physically transform into a snake and then revert back without any natural or scientific basis?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_aaron_make_the_golden_calf.htm">Why did Aaron create the golden calf for worship?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) His sons.--Only one had been mentioned previously, viz., Gershom (<a href="/exodus/2-22.htm" title="And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.">Exodus 2:22</a>), unless we accept the Vulgate addition to that place. But another had been recently born to him.Set them upon an ass.--Heb., upon the ass, i.e., cither "upon his ass," or, according to some, "upon asses." The singular of a substantive with the article is sometimes used for the genus (<a href="/genesis/15-11.htm" title="And when the fowls came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.">Genesis 15:11</a>).He returned.--Rather, set out to return (??????????, LXX.).The rod of God.--An emphatic phrase. God's endowment of the rod with miraculous power had made it "the rod of God." It was the instrument by means of which most of the plagues and the other miracles were wrought (<a href="/exodus/7-20.htm" title="And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.">Exodus 7:20</a>; <a href="/exodus/8-6.htm" title="And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.">Exodus 8:6</a>; <a href="/exodus/8-17.htm" title="And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.">Exodus 8:17</a>; <a href="/exodus/9-23.htm" title="And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along on the ground; and the LORD rained hail on the land of Egypt.">Exodus 9:23</a>; <a href="/exodus/10-13.htm" title="And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind on the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.">Exodus 10:13</a>; <a href="/exodus/14-16.htm" title="But lift you up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the middle of the sea.">Exodus 14:16</a>; <a href="/exodus/17-5.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, Go on before the people, and take with you of the elders of Israel; and your rod, with which you smote the river, take in your hand, and go.">Exodus 17:5</a>; <a href="/numbers/20-9.htm" title="And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.">Numbers 20:9</a>; &c). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - His sons. Gershom, already mentioned (<a href="/exodus/2-22.htm">Exodus 2:22</a>), and Eliezer (<a href="/exodus/18-4.htm">Exodus 18:4</a>), who was probably an infant. Set them upon an ass. Literally, "the ass," i.e. the one ass that belonged to him. The word might best be translated "his ass." When Moses is said to have "set them upon" the animal, we need not understand "all of them." Probably Zipporah and her baby rode, while Gershom walked with his father. Though horses were known in Egypt before this, they could not be used in the Sinaitic peninsula, and the employment of an ass by Moses is thoroughly appropriate. Returned. I.e. "set out to return." Took the rod of God in his hand. This is of course the "rod" of ver. 2, which had become "the rod of God" by the miracle of vers. 3 and 4, and which God had commanded him to take to Egypt (ver. 17). <a href="/commentaries/exodus/4-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So Moses מֹשֶׁ֜ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver took וַיִּקַּ֨ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take his wife אִשְׁתּ֣וֹ (’iš·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female and sons, בָּנָ֗יו (bā·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son put וַיַּרְכִּבֵם֙ (way·yar·ki·ḇêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7392.htm">Strong's 7392: </a> To ride, to place upon, to despatch them on עַֽל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against a donkey, הַחֲמֹ֔ר (ha·ḥă·mōr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> A male ass and headed back וַיָּ֖שָׁב (way·yā·šāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to Egypt. מִצְרָ֑יִם (miṣ·rā·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa And [he] מֹשֶׁ֛ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver took וַיִּקַּ֥ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take the staff מַטֵּ֥ה (maṭ·ṭêh) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe of God הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative in his hand. בְּיָדֽוֹ׃ (bə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/4-20.htm">Exodus 4:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/4-20.htm">OT Law: Exodus 4:20 Moses took his wife and his sons (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/4-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 4:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/4-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 4:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>